A leading ASEAN bank, CIMB is on a mission to become the preeminent consumer and wealth management bank in Southeast Asia. Its CEO Effendy Shahul Hamid pointed to the bank’s scale, digital banking capabilities, and people as key differentiators in the region’s highly competitive landscape. He emphasised the strength of CIMB’s balance sheet that has powered the bank’s growth and success. 

According to Shahul Hamid, partnerships, particularly in digital retail products, is a cornerstone of its consumer-centric approach; the bank focuses on solutions being customer-led rather than being bank-led. “Digital first” does not mean “digital only”, he said, explaining that digital is used as a tool to enhance the speed and efficiency of product, service, and delivery to customers.

He also acknowledged the challenges ahead, commenting on the importance of sustainable growth, customer data privacy, and the adaptability of the bank’s strategies in a dynamic market. He said that in order to maintain its competitive edge, CIMB is continually innovating and adapting its digital strategies to meet the needs of the banking sector.  

Shahul Hamid asserted CIMB’s position as a leader in the ASEAN banking sector, aimed at continued growth and innovation in digital banking and consumer engagement.